About Rachel Pfanz

Hi, I'm Rachel. I provide website management support and marketing strategy for WP Artisans. I'm a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BA in Geography and I love living in Columbus, Ohio with my husband Matt.

Google may dominate the online world, but their PageSpeed tool is worthless for measuring speed. Because of this, it’s rarely worth worrying if your Google PageSpeed does not improve.

Did you know it doesn’t even measure the loading time of your site? Yeah…

Feel confused yet? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Speed matters. When it comes to UX and SEO, nothing matters more. How fast your website loads can make or break your website’s impact. C’mon, I know I’m not the only one who got impatient after 3-seconds and went to find another website…

Here’s the thing, though: Neither Google Bots or humans care about the “grade” of your site. They care about how fast it loads. And, again, Google PageSpeed doesn’t measure that.

So, What DOES Google PageSpeed Do?

Websites only rarely achieve a perfect PageSpeed score. Not only is it a difficult and often unrealistic undertaking, there are times when it’s downright impossible! With that in mind, you should take its suggestions as just that, suggestions.

In their defense, sometimes the tool alerts you to issues you should address.

You don’t have compression enabled

You have a lot of large image files

You haven’t minimized HTML, CSS or Javascript

Your server response time is slow

You aren’t leveraging browser caching

Remember, it’s a tool for suggesting how to optimize your site. It’s not actually measuring the speed. While it can serve as a solid optimization checklist, you shouldn’t fret it beyond that.

Instead, use tools that actually measure your website’s speed. Then make improvements.

How to ACTUALLY Measure Website Speed

“Faster, dammit!”

More often than not, real life experience is the best indicator. And if the above exasperation runs through your mind while loading your website, you need a strong dose of speed optimization.

But if Google PageSpeed can’t help, who can?

It’s a lot simpler than it may have seemed up until this point. Once you notice something is a bit off with your speed, all you need to do is find the right tool.

Enter: Pingdom.

(Side Note: It’s important to check your website on desktop and mobile regularly, especially if you don’t have a dedicated website manager. If you notice any problems, implement the practices found in the remainder of this post.)

Use Pingdom to Measuring Website Load Time

To officially measure website load time, use Pingdom. Across the board, it’d the best, most reliable tool for gauging speed.

Here’s the summary when I run my site through the tool:

Below the summary you’ll see specific Performance Insights, along with detailed recommendations:

The report goes even more detailed, giving information about things like:

Response Codes

Content Size by Type

Requests by Content Type

Content Size by Domain

Requests by Domain

File Requests

You’ll unlock tons of action items with everything you can glean from this tool. Once you’ve applied the tactics it uncovers, make sure to run the test again and see the increase!

Test Different Pages of Your Website

Many people only test their homepage. This approach poses a couple of issues, which is why you need to test several different pages for an accurate view of your speed.

1. Homepage Content Length: Your homepage typically has a lot more content than a regular page or post. This may report a lower speed, while the rest of your site runs well.

2. User Experience: Google and social media posts often bring users to blog posts or landing pages, not just the homepage. Test important pages to ensure consistent speed everywhere.

Remember, all this testing and measuring is for one person: your visitor. Test the site like they’ll use it (i.e. several different pages, browsers and devices) to gain a more well-rounded understanding of your site’s speed.

Focus on What You Can Control – Not an Arbitrary Grade

Running your website through Google PageSpeed and Pingdom should give you a strong starting point. However, that’s not always the entire picture.

I sourced some experts to help us with this section of the post.

In it you’ll find 5 optimization tips that will keep your website blazing fast. I’ve also incorporated some suggested tools with each section to help you on your journey.

1. Large Images

“Large images or uncompressed images I was uploading images that were too large, some over 4mb per picture. Now before I upload images, I’ll resize those images to a wide of 640px. That will bring the size of the images down to less than 100kbs. Another tip is to save images as JPEGs, It’s a compressed format which slightly reduces image quality, but it’s significantly smaller.”

2. Bloated Themes

“Many out-of-the-box themes today try too hard to include all the bells and whistles, most of which have little to no impact on conversion rate, SEO, and site performance. Examples would be carousels, sliders, and fancy design elements that users really don’t care about, and worse, may actually distract a buyer or potential lead.”

3. Shared Hosting

“This is the fundamental step to fast loading sites. Even if you’re on a budget you can properly optimize your hosting so it’s optimized for WordPress to run fast. Having said this… if you’re on shared hosting and hoping to get the same speeds as a dedicated server, you’re dreaming. If you’re on a dedicated server you can optimize the hosting for EXACTLY the settings your site needs which is going to give the BIGGEST improvement to your WordPress speeds.”

4. Use a CDN

“Aside from the security it provides a faster load time for your website specially for mobile sites is important as most users can be found through mobile. (Hint: I’d rather optimize for speed in mobile than desktop nowadays.)”

5. Use GZIP Compression

“The key to faster loading sites starts with compressing the code. Just as zip files provided a way to compress images, pdfs, and other file types to allow for easier transmissions; gzip compression has a similar effect for web browsers and servers. For modern WordPress sites, there is simply no good reason to not use gzip compression.”

Conclusion

So, faithful readers, no need to worry if your Google PageSpeed does not improve.

As you can see from this post, there are a slew of other WordPress speed factors that should take preeminence. Sure, these indicators may fail to give you a pretty little letter grade, but your website visitors will appreciate you focusing on the things that matter.

WordPress is a tricky beast sometimes. If you’re struggling to grasp the fullness of its power, contact us about our website management services.

Google. Blegh. It’s that frustrating monster that frightens us at every turn. SEO, paid advertising, content marketing… Just about anywhere you try to promote your business online, you’re going to run into this behemoth.

So, you dive into Google trying to discover some basic information. Somehow the process feels more difficult and awkward than that first date you went on last week.

But after quite a bit of diligence, serendipitous happenstance or favor from the heavens, you find today’s article. Alas! Elation fills your heart as I’ve connected to your pain these past few sentences. And worry not, weary traveler, I’m here to guide you to the answer.

Come with me as I share with you how to get more Google reviews for your business.

(Spoiler Alert: The same thing that got you here – a bit of diligence, serendipity and a smile from the universe – is all you’ll need to accomplish this goal.)

1. Provide a Review-Worthy Experience

For any local business, Google reviews are very important. When someone searches for your online, a large box featuring your reviews lands at the top of the results.

If someone is searching for your type of business in Maps, the reviews also take a prominent spot. The more reviews, the more likely the prospect looks at your company over competitors.

It makes sense, then, that so many businesses work hard to earn this coveted public feedback. But it’s about more than the technicalities of the process. (I’ll get into those soon.)

Word of mouth marketing has been the foundation of business growth for centuries.

Want to get people talking about your business? Give them something to talk about. Most people don’t go around reviewing every local shop in town. It usually happens for one of two reasons:

The service was so terrible that the customer had to angrily tell everyone.

The service was so amazing that the customer had to excitedly tell everyone.

None of these tactics will replace the need for remarkable customer experience. They will encourage more neutral and positive people to leave good reviews. But these tactics won’t work (or worse, they’ll backfire) if you aren’t WOWing people on a regular basis.

2. Provide Potential Reviewers With Instructions

Chances are, one of two hang-ups brought you to today’s post: how to actually post reviews, or trouble with your reviews showing up. I’ll address both of these issues in the next two sections.

First… “How the hell do you actually post a review?”

I feel your pain. Google makes this unnecessarily convoluted, even though it’s actually quite simple. Here are some step-by-step instructions for your reference.

Step #1: Pull Up Your Business on Google Maps

Step #2: Scroll to the Bottom and Click “Write a Review”

Step #3: Type it Up and Share Your Experience!

When you run a local business, the experience is in person. This makes following up online and sharing digital information a bit tougher.

Pro Tip: I’d suggest printing out a one-page instruction page that explains the process. Then you can hand out the flyers to happy customers.

3. Use the Google API for Online Interactions

If you’re connecting with customers online, then you can use the Google API to share a link. This makes leaving a review even easier. And in the world of fast food, fast cars and even faster Internet, speed and ease matters.

First, you need to copy the Place ID for your business:

Go to Google Places API.

Enter your address in the “Enter a Location” field.

Click your business name or address as it appears.

Copy your Place ID on the map.

For your reference, here’s what shows up when you search for the WP Artisans address:

Once you get the Place ID, add it to this link template:

https://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=<place_id>

So, for WP Artisans, the link to leave a review for my services looks like this:

It’s that simple! Then you can include the link on your website or in email marketing campaigns. The easier you can make it, the better your chance of actually getting the review!

4. Respect Google’s Review Policies

Joy Hawkins, owner of Sterling Sky Inc, gave some powerful insight into the importance of respecting Google’s review policies.

In a question to the Advertiser Community, user Rising L asked,

I am starting to collect reviews for my new page, and one of my clients submitted a review about 4 days ago. It shows up for me as an admin, and I even replied to it. Yet when I view my page, it says “no reviews published” and as a viewer from the public, my page doesn’t even have a reviews tab! I don’t understand! How do I publish my reviews?!

Based on her personal experience, Joy shared several reasons why reviews go missing. Here are a few more common ones:

URLs in reviews

The same review appears elsewhere online (Yelp, your website, etc.)

The person who wrote the review works for you

The person wrote the review from the same IP address as other users who left you reviews

You’ve been collecting reviews in mass within a short time frame

The person reviewing you has a completely blank G+ profile and has never had any activity on that Google profile before or after they left you that review.

You hired an SEO company to post reviews for you

You have an onsite review station (Ipad, Computer etc) at your location

You are offering incentives for people who write you reviews.

Your # of reviews is abnormally higher than most businesses in your industry.

Trying to get Google reviews is hard enough. Don’t make it harder on yourself by disrespecting Google’s policies. Cause, I mean, they’re Google. Do you really think you can fool them?

Conclusion

There you have it! You’re officially a Google Review pro.

I know navigating the digital world feels frustrating at times. It’s my sincere hope this guide made your life a bit easier today. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you in any way I can!

And who knows, I may use your question as the topic for my next article. 🙂

As a nonprofit, you have a constant stream of responsibilities flooding your schedule. You shouldn’t worry about accumulating the resources and knowledge necessary to manage your website. (And that’s not even mentioning the impossible task of actually finding the time!)

But you know this. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?

You understand that nonprofit website management acts as a lifeline to the community you serve. You’re not looking for just any consultant, you need the right one.

In fact, many clients come to me because they’ve already experienced the wrong one. It’s a stressful tale about unethical service providers just wanting some “easy” money. They say all the right things to win your business, but their monthly services never back up the promises.

Ready to break up with your digital agency? We’d love to discuss your nonprofit’s website needs and create a service contract that serves you. Contact us today!

Nonprofit organizations shouldn’t have to experience this terrible phenomena in my industry. But if you’ve fallen victim to it, I have one piece of actionable advice…

It’s Time to Break-Up With Your Digital Agency

Many website developers and digital agencies pose a serious problem in my industry. That statement may upset some of my peers, but someone needs to say it.

I feel like it’s my responsibility to shed light on the issue.

I’m here to help you maximize your website’s value — even if that means ruffling the feathers of others in my industry. My loyalty lies with my clients, not my peers.

Too often I feel disappointed by the reputation of website consultants. Numerous distressed business owners have come to me over the years. They express feeling held hostage by their unreliable, unresponsive and, quite frankly, overpriced website developer.

What’s more, website management isn’t even a website developer’s job!

More often than not, developers use maintenance contracts as a way to make easy passive income from clients. It’s not their primary (or even secondary) focus.

So, when you give a developer these responsibilities, your website falls low on their priority list. It becomes increasingly difficult to get small changes implemented. Before you know it, something major goes wrong and your nonprofit really suffers as a result.

Your Nonprofit Needs a Value-Driven Consultant

As a nonprofit, your website serves as a foundational support to your mission. You need a reliable website consultant who cares enough to keep this pillar strong and functional. Digital agencies want to drain your budget. I want to pour immense value into your cause.

Here’s the thing: I’m not a website developer. I’m not using a website management service as easy passive income to support the project that I really enjoy. This is what I really enjoy.

Over a year ago, I transitioned completely away from website development. The truth is, building websites didn’t fulfill me. Now, I only sell website maintenance services and WordPress training. I’m happier, and so are my clients!

As a nonprofit website consultant, I can focus on the small, day-to-day details that keep your website strong and effective. No more getting blown off by an agency who has “more pressing” projects to worry about. I’m here for you, every day.

What to Expect from a Trustworthy Website Management Provider

Unfortunately, my industry has many nefarious individuals lurking around and trying to deceive hard-working business owners. Thankfully, there are just as many of us who are value-driven and ethically-based.

Even if you don’t use my services, I want you to know how to tell the heroes from the villains. I want you to find the right consultant who will really support your nonprofit. With that in mind, here are some characteristics of a trustworthy website management provider…

1. Responsive Communication Centered on Honesty. You should never have to fret about what your website manager is (or isn’t) doing. If they fall off the planet for weeks at a time, you’re wasting your time and money on someone who isn’t really invested.

2. Reliable Execution of Project Deliverables. Keep an eye out for those who over-promise and under-deliver. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Ask for case studies, performance KPIs and a list of past clients.

3. Considerate of Your Nonprofit’s Individual Needs. Your nonprofit has a unique set of needs and challenges. Find someone who knows how to LISTEN. It’s important to find a consultant who is open to adapt to the unique aspects of your nonprofit.

4. Transparent Methods Supported By Strong Ethics. Let me set the record straight: It’s highly unethical for a web developer to restrict access to your website or content. You deserve top-level access and an understanding of what’s going on.

5. Attentive and Respectful of Your Time. This is, perhaps, the most common complaint I find with today’s web management professionals. It’s important you can trust to receive quick responses and solutions to any website problem that arises.

We use a subscription-based pricing model for nonprofits. We’ll chat and outline your needs, then come up with a dedicated amount of time we’ll spend on your website each month.

Fuel Your Mission With My Best-In-Class Nonprofit Website Management

There’s a key concept in behavioral economics called sunk cost fallacy. Basically, it’s that voice in your head that keeps saying, “I’ve already spent so much money on this agency’s website services. I can’t afford to drop them now!”

In reality, you can’t afford NOT to!

Let go of the agency that just wants YOU to support THEM with that monthly retainer fee.

Think about all the days or weeks you waited for a simple email response. How many times have you had to ask (or argue) for access to your own content or website?

What if you spent that time on activities to spread the message about your mission? Would your nonprofit have more widespread reach? How many people have missed out because a lazy website developer didn’t do the job?

Your website supports your mission, and I want to support your website.

It’s time to invest in nonprofit website management services that are responsive, reliable and 110% focused on supporting the cause. If that’s the kind of consultant you want, contact me today! I’d love to discuss how I can add value to your mission.

Your Website Management Team

Rachel Pfanz and Emily Journey lead the WP Artisans team. They enjoy helping business owners leverage technology to increase sales and social impact.

What People Are Saying

WP Artisans has managed our website for 3 years and at least 80% of our business has come from the website they developed and manage for us. We’ve tried print, radio and online ads, but nothing compares to a website that is functional, well designed, and at the top of the list. WP Artisans knows how to do this and the web site is the single biggest reason we have grown from 3 planes to six planes in just two years."

Pat Rooney, Owner, Sundowner Aviation

Emily Journey and WP Artisans are not only the "Real Deal" when it comes to website management and SEO but are also incredibly knowledgeable, experts in what they do and good people! They completely redid our two websites www.ezshelf.com and www.brillseat.com. We previously tried numerous other firms some from India, others with an office here and work done in Eastern Europe, and others - our website prior to WP Artisans was a hodge-podge of hard coding, and over 39 plugins. It was impossible for us to maintain the websites by ourselves and SEO was like a secret language only our previous consultants knew. Emily and WP Artisans are committed to removing the curtain hiding the "Wizard of Oz" and to empowering individuals and companies to take back their website and marketing.

David Jablow, Founding Partner, EZShelf and BrillSeat

Emily manages my real estate website and is a great person to work with! She is always quick to respond to maintenance requests and she goes above and beyond so my website ensures the success of my business. I highly recommend her services!

Adam Knolls, Real Estate Broker, RE/MAX Revealty

Emily does a terrific job managing our Capital List web site! Not only does she provide extraordinary service but she also does a great job on coaching you about how to improve traffic. We've had several web sites over the years and Emily has been the very best person to work with on this vital part of our business.

This website is not affiliated with or sponsored by Automattic, Inc., The WordPress Foundation, or the WordPress Open Source Project.

In the spirit of full disclosure, some of the links on my site are affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission if you decide to purchase anything from recommended companies. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.